LTN

You may or may not be aware of the fact that I live and go to University in the infamous Bedfordshire town of Luton, voted crappiest town in the country two years in a row. The subjects normally brought up when I tell somebody where I'm from these day are either something to do with  the airport, The EDL, violence, crime and whatever else they get a glimpse of on the News and Traffic Cops. Moving to the town from Birmingham when I was younger I hated it with a passion but more recently I've come to realise 'It ain't so bad'.  It isn't the ideal place to live I'll admit but I will defend Luton if I have to and I'm proud to say that I bloody live here. Makes me sounds a little stupid but living here definitely made me street wise and I don't think I'd be the person I am today If I hadn't lived here. Little experiences growing up like trying to sneak into Yates's when I was 17 and going to watch screamo/metal bands like Enter Shikari and Gallows (I was such greebo) at the Hat Factory and S.U when I was 16 all are part of the make up of me and are also how I connected to people around me forming friendships that are still strong even now after many of them have moved out of the town. The reason for writing such a soppy post  is that recently I just keep seeing such vile things about the town in the media but what I see it juxtaposes what is really happening in the town, For example Jay Z was recording in the town just the other day and liked it so much he came back for more. Bafta award winning screenwriter Jack Throne who is the force behind stunning British television drama such as Skins, The Fades and This is England 86, 89, and the forthcoming 90; lives in Luton and has openly talked about how much he loves the town and how it inspires most of his writing. In the upcoming weeks my town will also see the arrival of the Olympic torch and while this happens the much hyped 'Love Luton' festival is taking place with headline acts Olly Murs and The Wanted which will be a big draw to the town, my mum bought me tickets to see Olly but would rather see The Wanted. I guess what I'm trying to say is that yes Luton is a massive shit hole and if you had the money you could live in a lot nicer places but it really isn't as bad as many  make it out to be and living here is pretty hilarious at times. My likes and dislikes, my hunger and passion to think outside the box have all come from living in Luton so In a way I'm glad my family did make a move up here all those years ago. I've met some of the most amazing people in this town and we always know how to have fun in Luton so I think you should come and join us and LOVE THE LUTON LIFE.